The Key to Training the Mind—A focused mind through upholding a dharani/mantra

In addition, we can achieve the purpose of settling our body and mind and cultivating concentration by upholding a dharani or mantra. As Master Sheng Yen pointed out in the Introduction to Buddhism, many people consider upholding a dharani/mantra as a purely esoteric practice. In fact, however, in traditional Esoteric Buddhism, such practice must be personally passed down by one's master, and requires one to follow certain rituals and rules. Generally, it is similar to Buddha-name recitation; therefore, in exoteric Buddhist schools, including the Chan tradition from the Ming Dynasty on, some dharanis and mantras have also been used as part of their practice.

Upholding a dharani/manta involves verbal recitation, attentive listening and mindfulness—that is, fully engaging our body, speech and mind in the practice to achieve the best result. This is also a form of concentration. However, even reciting a dharani/mantra with a scattered mind can generate merits and spiritual responses. As to which dharani/mantra we should choose, this depends on our inclinations and karmic affinities. Some of the most popular dharanis/mantras include the Great Compassion Mantra (Nīlakaṇṭha Dhāraṇī), the Avalokiteśvara Mantra, the Cundi Mantra, the Auspicious Mantra, the Medicine Buddha's Mantra, the Earth-Treasure (Kṣitigarbha) Mantra, the Dharani for Rebirth in the Pure Land, and the Suramgama Dharni. We can keep count of our recitations using a string of prayer beads, or set aside a session for recitation.

The book Master Sheng Yen on Guanyin Bodhisattva's Methods maintains that upholding a dharani/mantra requires our sincere devotion. As long as we keep our mind focused and practice devotedly without generating discursive thoughts, we can naturally feel inner calm, peacefulness, and tranquility. Furthermore, what is essential for dharani/mantra upholding is patience and perseverance, taking every practice recitation as making a call and prayer to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.

The book Master Sheng Yen on Guanyin Bodhisattva's Methods maintains that upholding a dharani/mantra requires our sincere devotion. As long as we keep our mind focused and practice devotedly without generating discursive thoughts, we can naturally feel inner calm, peacefulness, and tranquility. Furthermore, what is essential for dharani/mantra upholding is patience and perseverance, taking every practice recitation as making a call and prayer to the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.


Extended Reading:

Modern People's Mental Issues - Too many wandering thoughts

Modern People's Mental Issues - Materialistic Obsession

Modern People's Mental Issues - Chronic Depression

Modern People's Mental Issues - Intense Anger

Buddhist Methods for Training the Mind - The Seven Stages to Regulate the Mind

The Key to Training the Mind—Chan Practice

The Key to Training the Mind—Single-minded, undisturbed concentration through Buddha-name recitation

The Key to Training the Mind—A focused mind through upholding a dharani/mantra


Resource: Issue 316 of Life Magazine, Dharma Drum Publishing Corporation
Photos: Venerable Guo Shyang
Translation: Cheng-yu Chang (张振郁) 
Editing: Keith Brown, Chia-cheng Chang (張家誠)